Additional Info

Nearby Theaters

The Gem Theatre was Wichita Fall’s first purpose-built movie theatre, opening October 25, 1910. It was located at 713 Ohio Avenue near the train station. A clipping in the collection of the Wichita County Historical Society describes an elaborate cooling system of interlocked ceiling fans.

By World War II, the Gem Theatre had been acquired by the Paramount-affiliated Interstate Circuit. By the 1950’s it had a “coloreds only” balcony, the African-American neighborhood being just a block north of the railroad tracks. The Gem Theatre was closed January 6, 1952. It was demolished in 1972.

This theater was owned by my father Aaron and his brother. I wish to correct the statement that the theater became an all “colored” theater. It actually seated “whites” on the main floor and “colored” in the balcony as this was still in the time of segregation.